The World-renowned Indian composer, singer, songwriter, music producer, musician and philanthropist Allah-Rakha Rahman has been named as a cultural ambassador for Seychelles in India. The artist was in Seychelles last week taking part in the second edition of the Seychelles-India Day celebrations. He was called on stage by Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles minister responsible for tourism and culture who explained that since the last couple of years Seychelles had initiated the concept of naming cultural ambassadors.

Minister St.Ange said, “We choose people who understand Seychelles, who knows Seychelles and who believes in Seychelles as a holiday destination with a difference and who have the ability to promote us as a sought after holiday destination to their own people. Today we are proud to welcome AR Rahman of India as our cultural ambassador.”

Mr Rahman received his appointment certificate from the country’s vice-president Danny Faure in a ceremony organised to celebrate the India Fest at the International Conference Centre in Victoria.

AR Rahman was also presented with a token of honour by the chairperson of the Seychelles-India Day celebrations committee Ramu Pillay. Present at this auspicious occasion were former president of the Seychelles James Mancham, Indian minister of state responsible for tourism, culture and civil aviation Dr Mahesh Sharma, tourism and culture minister Alain St.Ange, Indian high commissioner Sanjay Panda among other guests.

Rahman said he is proud to be chosen who will promote Seychelles as cultural ambassador.

Panda said when he addressed the ceremony that the historical and cultural bonds which exist between Seychelles and India are today stronger than ever. “The visit of Dr Mahesh Sharma, for this occasion is testimony to our traditional cultural linkages that we seek to nurture besides showcasing the various facets of Indian culture in this country.”

Dr Sharma added, “The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Seychelles in March, the first prime ministerial visit from India in 34 years, and the state visit to India by President James Michel shortly thereafter, reflected not only our strategic convergence but also the importance we attach to our bilateral engagement. Our two countries are now on the threshold of a qualitative transformation in our ties across a broad spectrum.”